THE BANQUET
By Wana Udobang
Never discard the bones.
Boil them till the marrow slips and melts on your tongue. Nothing about you is useless
Soften your heart.
You need to be tender enough to soak up the flavours, temper enough to mop up the juice. You mustn’t be hard to swallow
Revel in your beauty.
There is something about texture and tone that make for a gastronomic feast. You are stunning
Adorn your flesh like silk.
Let it drape you, cascade over your shoulders, mould around your breast, fold itself between your vulva, sliding down your thighs, hugging your calves as it gently covers your feet, dripping on your toes. Hold your head high and waltz like the belle at the ball. You are a feast for every eye
Take your time.
You need to marinade, mould and mature. A stew from your mother’s clay pot is never made in a day. You needn’t be rushed
Renew your spirit.
Prayers are the tender embers that simmer to perfection. Blow lightly; you need not scream he hears your heart speak
Take the first bite.
Please yourself, love yourself, feed yourself.
Forgive.
Regrets will ruin the broth
Let go.
Bitterness shares no room with exquisite flavours
Keep the leftovers.
They make for worthwhile memories, besides there is always a lesson to learn.
1 Comment
You wrote this poem for me… it’s beautiful.
Thank you.